What are my options?

[afununiquenameisalreadytaken]

Hi good people,

I am a long time reader of the LPSG forums, and now I find it is my turn to ask for some opinions (specifically opinions - not advice!).

I am un-circumcised, and have mostly always been very comfortable with this given its all I have known. However at 35 years old, I am realising that my frenulum is probably actually far tighter than what would be considered normal. I have self diagnosed this as a Frenulum Breve given the manner in which my frenulum pulls down on my penis head when there is any 'activity'. I also have some of the other symptoms that come with this from what i understand such as some uncomfortableness during erections - where I find myself constantly readjusting to attempt to make it less bothersome (I will point out this is uncomfortableness rather than straight out pain at this point). My frenulum (and wider area) will also from time to time get rather sensitive and raw as my foreskin roles back and forth 'tugging' on the tightest bit of my frenulum. I am often somewhat sensitive and irritated post sex or other 'action'.

For the first time ever I mentioned some of these things to my wife who immediately pointed out - that doesn't sound right, surely there is something you can do to help with that? The internet has provided me some information about things that could be done, however I have not yet gone to a Dr to raise this (and I probably will no matter the opinions provided) however I thought that LPSG, and this forum in particular, may be a place where I can get some opinions from others who have experienced this or understand this, and whom may have done something about this (or not) and what they think of the options. the options as I see them (informed by mostly google at this stage):

1. try a minimal fix such as stretching the frenulum, perhaps with a steriod cream to loosen the skin. I have actually tried the stretching (no cream) part a few years ago before I had really understood what this might be. I found it hurt quite alot at the point I was pulling on the tightest bit, it left my penis sore and it didn't seem to do a single bit to help so I stopped after a week or two of trying. I am willing to try this again if its clear that it can help.
2. get a Frenulectomy. these look to be relatively minimal procedures that could help. I do have one bit in particular of my frenulum that is very tight which I imagine is causing most of the issues. I feel like if they could just 'nick' this bit, it might be problem solved.
3. Get a circumcision. Similar rationale to the above in that's a sure fix. I am broadly okay with the idea but it does seem like a bigger decision for such a small bit of skin causing the problem. I am well aware there is much debate on circumcision and for an against. I don't want to get into that, but I am just looking at whether I can be helped by this option, or whether it might be something I think 'I wish i just lived with it' about.
4. Do nothing. This is basically going to a position of - yes there are some things that you don't enjoy about your frenulum, but are they breaking your world? (no) and in reality, some of the things I have are probably somewhat normal for all (post sex sensitivity etc).

Opinions welcome

 

[Jon1971]

First of all see a urologist. It might be something that can be treated. Worst case get the frenulum cut to relieve the pressure. I see no need to get a circumcision.

 

[coolestguy]

Just doing option 3 may not fix it because circumcision can be done without touching the frenulum.

 

[AussieBroCurious]

So, there's a variation of frenulum breve where a bit of skin that should separate during development, doesn't. This is different than having a fully developed frenulum which is a bit on the short side. A frenuloplasty is the procedure to correct a tight fully developed frenulum and it usually involves a fair bit of cutting and stitching in a 'Z' shape to create some more length. Stretching can also work with the regular frenulum in a lot of cases, but it almost never works on the should-have-separated-naturally type.

When you hear guys talk about 'snapping' their frenulum, they are talking about the first type, that should have separated during development (like the foreskin spearates from the glans at some point). They certainly didn't snap their regular frenulum! That would be a significant emergency. As you suggest, this can in fact be 'nicked' and fixed very quickly. I snapped mine during my early teens so never had to get mine snipped, but I know a number of mates over the years that said they had theirs snipped by a doctor usually in thier early 20s. In Australia they can do it in a GPs rooms, by the same sort of doctors that does minor procedures like vasectomies or removing small skin cancers. Usually doesn't even require a single stitch.

You definitley want to investigate this as a solution before you look at anything else. All my mates who either snapped thiers like me or had the doc snip it all say it was the best thing to ever happen. It just releases the excessively tight bit without removing any tissue (i.e. nerves) and its a very minor procedure.

If you cared to post a pic I'd be happy to give you my opinion on whether this might be what youre dealing with.

Good luck with it.

 

[ukboy]

I had exactly the same issue as you describe. I ended up having a circumcision and am very happy with it, but a frenulectomy would also solve the problem. My own preference was to not have a foreskin flapping around untethered but for some people who wish to keep their foreskin, the frenulectomy might be a better option. Please PM me if you have any questions.

 

[happycut]

4. Do nothing:
Is the worst solution: ignoring a problem allows it to grow silently and come back stronger.
1. try a minimal fix such as stretching the frenulum :
If this solution can give a good result, it will take time and with some drawbacks: pain, being regular, etc.
2. get a Frenulectomy:
this is a good solution, even if some LPSG members have done it themselves it is better to see a good doctor.
3. Get a circumcision:
With this solution, perhaps too radical, you will avoid potential future problems, but it's up to you to see if you like it. For me, it's the best solution: but that's my opinion.

I hope I have helped you, but go see a urologist, only he can make a diagnosis and tell you what to do.

 

[chrisrobin]

Hi good people,

I am a long time reader of the LPSG forums, and now I find it is my turn to ask for some opinions (specifically opinions - not advice!).

I am un-circumcised, and have mostly always been very comfortable with this given its all I have known. However at 35 years old, I am realising that my frenulum is probably actually far tighter than what would be considered normal. I have self diagnosed this as a Frenulum Breve given the manner in which my frenulum pulls down on my penis head when there is any 'activity'. I also have some of the other symptoms that come with this from what i understand such as some uncomfortableness during erections - where I find myself constantly readjusting to attempt to make it less bothersome (I will point out this is uncomfortableness rather than straight out pain at this point). My frenulum (and wider area) will also from time to time get rather sensitive and raw as my foreskin roles back and forth 'tugging' on the tightest bit of my frenulum. I am often somewhat sensitive and irritated post sex or other 'action'.

For the first time ever I mentioned some of these things to my wife who immediately pointed out - that doesn't sound right, surely there is something you can do to help with that? The internet has provided me some information about things that could be done, however I have not yet gone to a Dr to raise this (and I probably will no matter the opinions provided) however I thought that LPSG, and this forum in particular, may be a place where I can get some opinions from others who have experienced this or understand this, and whom may have done something about this (or not) and what they think of the options. the options as I see them (informed by mostly google at this stage):

1. try a minimal fix such as stretching the frenulum, perhaps with a steriod cream to loosen the skin. I have actually tried the stretching (no cream) part a few years ago before I had really understood what this might be. I found it hurt quite alot at the point I was pulling on the tightest bit, it left my penis sore and it didn't seem to do a single bit to help so I stopped after a week or two of trying. I am willing to try this again if its clear that it can help.
2. get a Frenulectomy. these look to be relatively minimal procedures that could help. I do have one bit in particular of my frenulum that is very tight which I imagine is causing most of the issues. I feel like if they could just 'nick' this bit, it might be problem solved.
3. Get a circumcision. Similar rationale to the above in that's a sure fix. I am broadly okay with the idea but it does seem like a bigger decision for such a small bit of skin causing the problem. I am well aware there is much debate on circumcision and for an against. I don't want to get into that, but I am just looking at whether I can be helped by this option, or whether it might be something I think 'I wish i just lived with it' about.
4. Do nothing. This is basically going to a position of - yes there are some things that you don't enjoy about your frenulum, but are they breaking your world? (no) and in reality, some of the things I have are probably somewhat normal for all (post sex sensitivity etc).

Opinions welcome

Take proffesional advise, your cock is to precious to muck about with "quack cures"

 

[EastMids12]

I would suggest that your consult a urologist, its too risky to decide for yourself

 

[LetsPlayxxx]

Can I share something unsolicited

 

[Stu311]

Was in a similar position and it was a choice between 2 and 3 for me. 1 very rarely works as the frenulum does not stretch in most cases and if 4 was fine you wouldn’t be taking the time to write on here and be thinking about it.

That left 2 and 3. Both procedures had similar costs and recovery time and the doctors I saw advised either would get the job done and it mostly comes down to preference, with some minor long term benefits leaning in favour of circumcision. His opinion was that as long as I was fine with the idea, circumcision may work out marginally better. Basically if you are going to get surgery, you might as well prevent other issues later on at no extra cost from an op experience perspective. There is also a marginally lower risk of re-adhesions during healing with the foreskin also removed.

I was never the biggest fan of my foreskin and neither was my girlfriend back then (and ironically and thankfully for her - since circumcision is less common in the UK - nor is my wife now). So option 3 it was for me and I am very happy with the result. My only regret is I waited for years to make up my mind.

Do take your time and do talk to your doctor, as options 2 and 3 are not reversible, but my personal experience is you are fine either way and, if the idea of circumcision does not bother you, it is the slightly better option long term. Also worth asking the wife, her opinion could also matter, though it is ultimately your penis.

 

[Stu311]

Just doing option 3 may not fix it because circumcision can be done without touching the frenulum.

If the frenulum is tight, it will be removed, especially if that is the issue that prompted the circumcision.

 

[Flotiz]

Let's start with the assumption that only a doctor can provide you with a truly appropriate solution, following a diagnosis. Therefore, the first piece of advice is to have a physical examination to determine how to resolve the problem.

Next, based on my (modest) knowledge, the only valid option is surgery, which in your case would also be quite simple. Specifically, a frenulotomy or frenuloplasty. I'm no expert, but, beyond the specific techniques, I believe frenuloplasty involves lengthening the frenulum through incisions. Frenulotomy is most often described as the removal of the frenulum (as is often the case with circumcisions).

I would rule out doing nothing because, in addition to maintaining the status quo and causing discomfort, it could be somewhat "dangerous" or "risky". Indeed, with a maximum or extreme distension of the foreskin (for example, during sex) could cause the frenulum to tear or rupture, causing pain and bleeding. At that point, you should still opt for surgery, since scarring makes the frenulum even less elastic, unless the tear is complete.

I wouldn't even consider circumcision, above all since it's indicated for problems with foreskin retraction, not the individual frenulum that connects the foreskin to the glans. I don't think you have similar problems. Circumcision, it would be a more invasive surgical procedure and would take longer to heal, can be an option (removing the foreskin and the frenulum at the same time), but it's not the preferred or entirely appropriate treatment option for your case.

In conclusion, as mentioned above, see a specialist, and he'll surely give you the best advice.